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Watching for Movement

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As part of its mydlinkHome family of products, D-Link has developed a Wi-FiMotionSensor. This product has been designed to alert the user to any motion that is detected in the home when they are absent for any reason. When such instances occur they will be notified through standard Push technology.

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The MotionSensor device resembles a slightly larger than normal 3-pin power plug. Sitting on the top of this white unit is a cloudy circular bubble while a pair of LED lights is positioned either side of a WPS button. A mydlinkHome logo desecrates the front of this plug-shaped device.

Included in the box along with the MotionSensor are various items of documentation. Most of the documentation covers matters relating to subjects such as a Declaration of Conformity, a GPL (General Public License) code statement and warranty and safety information. This is hardly the most enthralling collection of reading material. I should imagine that many will totally ignore it as they search for installation instructions.

Fortunately there is one piece of documentation that does deal with the installation of the product. This document, in the form of a folded card, offers a QR code link to the relevant website with appropriate details. There are also details of the SSID and Pin Code of the device.

While the information on this card seems to indicate that you are restricted to using the QR code as the only method for setting up this device, there is an alternative for those who prefer not to use the QR method. You can download the appropriate free app available from the App Store or Play Store depending upon the type of host mobile device. In my case I downloaded the Android version of the app.

This app needs to be linked to an account set up with an email address and the user defined password. Setting up a free account for those who do not already have one is relatively straightforward. You simply supply the necessary information of a current email address and password that will be used by the account. An email will be sent to the address entered and this will include a link to a website that allows you to activate the account. You will need to restart the app otherwise reminders about activating the account will keep appearing.

The mydlinkHome app is capable of working with the various tools making up the D-LinkHome family of products including, in this case, MotionSensors. Having selected the device from the single item that is listed by the app, a process will then be set in motion (no pun intended) as the app creates a link between itself and the MotionSensor. This is not a particularly quick operation and some patience will be required while the communication is established.

At this point you have the option to change the default model number used to identify the device to something more appropriate of your own choosing. You can also change the device’s icon using one of the images stored on your handset. Both of these actions can be carried out later if you wish.

Using a handset, you can make adjustment to the sensitivity of the MotionSensor using a slider bar. A schedule can be created for when the MotionSensor becomes active. You are given a choice of five options when setting up a schedule. Two of the options are for a basic setting while the other three are more advanced. With the basic settings you can designate the start and end time for a single period which checks made every 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes. You can also designate the days when the schedule will be run. Advanced scheduling presents a chart into which you can enter multiple periods of times and the days when the MotionSensor will be turned on. Scheduling is set up from within a main part of the app rather than the part set aside for use by the MotionSensor.

There is also a very basic rule option. You can create a rule which sends a Push message to your motion device when any motion is detected. All the message does is to give an indication that motion was detected along with the date and time. No other information is provided and you are limited to the message being sent to the device hosting the mydlinkHome app. If you need more information then the mydlinkHome HD Monitor or other similar device would better suit your needs. This MotionSensor is current listed at £36.85 on the Amazon.co.uk website.

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